Sommer is coming...
#13
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It's still there...in fact...my wife is going there next week.
We downsized from the AT so we wouldn't feel guilty about leaving such an expensive toy sitting while we galavanted around the country. This boat gets us out on the water when we are home...but I won't feel bad at all when I rent a house in CO for a couple weeks in the summer.
Still have a company to run in here...but as soon as I can, I'm out of IL-annoy. And at that time...there will be a pretty cherry 27 Donzi for sale...
We downsized from the AT so we wouldn't feel guilty about leaving such an expensive toy sitting while we galavanted around the country. This boat gets us out on the water when we are home...but I won't feel bad at all when I rent a house in CO for a couple weeks in the summer.
Still have a company to run in here...but as soon as I can, I'm out of IL-annoy. And at that time...there will be a pretty cherry 27 Donzi for sale...
![Smilie](/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
#14
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Yeah right!
I've got exactly the same setup, same prop, same engine hours, mine's an '07.
My prop was damaged in shipping to Thailand and I had it repaired but it's certainly not perfect. I concur with everything you've said, she's not quick to plane out, drive tucked in and those little tabs down will help but with a load of fuel, 4,000 rpm's is definitely needed. I think bigger tabs would help, I think some of the 525 boats had K-planes.
The boat doesn't like much trim. Going by the gauge, about 1/4 to 1/2, anything over that, mine would cavitate and feel unstable at speed. I've also read people claim 70-72 mph with that setup, I'm not sure which downhill lake has the best tailwinds in America but 70 was never on the cards where I live. My compressions are all between 150-160 (checked last week) and she would hit the rev limiter (5150 ?) given a decent stretch at full throttle. Best speeds were around 62-63 on the gps Livorsi. I'm sure the prop condition didn't help and also our humidity here could take a few hp and even cutting the air perhaps.
Sorry I can only confirm what you already know and not really help you to improve anything but at least you know you're not alone. I'd guess a good prop will help but otherwise, I don't think the 27/496ho package is designed for much more. Mine's a great boat in every way but I respect it's limitations. It's a big step down from your AT so it may take some getting used to but the service maintenance aspect would be an easy transition.![Smilie](/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
Good luck, wish I could be of more help.
RR
I've got exactly the same setup, same prop, same engine hours, mine's an '07.
My prop was damaged in shipping to Thailand and I had it repaired but it's certainly not perfect. I concur with everything you've said, she's not quick to plane out, drive tucked in and those little tabs down will help but with a load of fuel, 4,000 rpm's is definitely needed. I think bigger tabs would help, I think some of the 525 boats had K-planes.
The boat doesn't like much trim. Going by the gauge, about 1/4 to 1/2, anything over that, mine would cavitate and feel unstable at speed. I've also read people claim 70-72 mph with that setup, I'm not sure which downhill lake has the best tailwinds in America but 70 was never on the cards where I live. My compressions are all between 150-160 (checked last week) and she would hit the rev limiter (5150 ?) given a decent stretch at full throttle. Best speeds were around 62-63 on the gps Livorsi. I'm sure the prop condition didn't help and also our humidity here could take a few hp and even cutting the air perhaps.
Sorry I can only confirm what you already know and not really help you to improve anything but at least you know you're not alone. I'd guess a good prop will help but otherwise, I don't think the 27/496ho package is designed for much more. Mine's a great boat in every way but I respect it's limitations. It's a big step down from your AT so it may take some getting used to but the service maintenance aspect would be an easy transition.
![Smilie](/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
Good luck, wish I could be of more help.
RR
Last edited by rak rua; 04-09-2019 at 06:44 AM.
#15
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Yeah right!
I've got exactly the same setup, same prop, same engine hours, mine's an '07.
My prop was damaged in shipping to Thailand and I had it repaired but it's certainly not perfect. I concur with everything you've said, she's not quick to plane out, drive tucked in and those little tabs down will help but with a load of fuel, 4,000 rpm's is definitely needed. I think bigger tabs would help, I think some of the 525 boats had K-planes.
The boat doesn't like much trim. Going by the gauge, about 1/4 to 1/2, anything over that, mine would cavitate and feel unstable at speed. I've also read people claim 70-72 mph with that setup, I'm not sure which downhill lake has the best tailwinds in America but 70 was never on the cards where I live. My compressions are all between 150-160 (checked last week) and she would hit the rev limiter (5150 ?) given a decent stretch at full throttle. Best speeds were around 62-63 on the gps Livorsi. I'm sure the prop condition didn't help and also our humidity here could take a few hp and even cutting the air perhaps.
Sorry I can only confirm what you already know and not really help you to improve anything but at least you know you're not alone. I'd guess a good prop will help but otherwise, I don't think the 27/496ho package is designed for much more. Mine's a great boat in every way but I respect it's limitations. It's a big step down from your AT so it may take some getting used to but the service maintenance aspect would be an easy transition.
![Smilie](/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
Good luck, wish I could be of more help.
RR
Trailer gets tires today, boat gets wax and loaded with lines, fenders, tools, sunscreen, cozies and other paraphernalia Friday, new trailer bearings Monday, and oil and gear lube changes next week. Then we wait until the weather warms up!
#16
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I haven't used mine much but everything I've done tells me they're a great fun boat. They run very level off a wave and land the same way, just feels well balanced and very solid for a 27' boat. I haven't really pushed "Fonzi" hard so maybe with a light load, good prop and more seat time you'll get closer to 70 than I have. I look forward to reading how you go.
Cheers,
RR
Cheers,
RR
#17
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Here's a little promo vid for the 27
https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x320ybp
Also, I just checked, and K-planes were a factory option.
![](https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.offshoreonly.com-vbulletin/2000x1504/img_1737_png_18a0460ea885c17ff6e7169dcca444f88e901efc.jpeg)
https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x320ybp
Also, I just checked, and K-planes were a factory option.
![](https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.offshoreonly.com-vbulletin/2000x1504/img_1737_png_18a0460ea885c17ff6e7169dcca444f88e901efc.jpeg)
#18
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Nice Donzi good luck!
#19
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Here's a little promo vid for the 27
https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x320ybp
Also, I just checked, and K-planes were a factory option.
![](https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.offshoreonly.com-vbulletin/2000x1504/img_1737_png_18a0460ea885c17ff6e7169dcca444f88e901efc.jpeg)
https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x320ybp
Also, I just checked, and K-planes were a factory option.
![](https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.offshoreonly.com-vbulletin/2000x1504/img_1737_png_18a0460ea885c17ff6e7169dcca444f88e901efc.jpeg)
![Smilie](/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
![Smilie](/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
![Smilie](/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)